Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brattleboro by IHG

For individuals and families seeking accommodation in Brattleboro, Vermont, and utilizing platforms for "Hotels Near Of Me," the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brattleboro by IHG, located at 100 Chickering Dr, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA, is a prominent choice within the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) portfolio. This hotel aims to deliver a consistent and comfortable experience, characteristic of the Holiday Inn Express brand, with a focus on value and essential amenities.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brattleboro is strategically situated just off I-91, a major interstate highway, providing excellent accessibility for travelers. Its location on Chickering Drive places it in a convenient area that balances ease of access with proximity to Brattleboro's core. While not directly in the bustling downtown, it allows for a quieter stay while still being a short drive (approximately three miles) from the town center. This makes it suitable for visitors exploring the arts, culture, and independent businesses that define downtown Brattleboro.

Brattleboro, nestled in the scenic southeastern corner of Vermont, is known for its natural beauty and vibrant community. The hotel's location provides a convenient base for exploring various local attractions. Guests can easily reach the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, the Latchis Theatre, and the local farmers' market. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities on the Connecticut River. During the winter months, the hotel is also conveniently located near several major ski areas, including Mount Snow and Stratton Mountain Resort, making it an attractive option for ski trips. Other nearby points of interest include Fort Dummer State Park, Madame Sherri Forest, and Saxton's River Distillery. The overall environment around the hotel is a mix of commercial convenience and the natural allure of Vermont's landscape.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brattleboro by IHG is well-equipped with a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to ensure a pleasant stay. A standout feature, frequently highlighted in reviews, is the complimentary Express Start™ hot breakfast buffet. Guests praise its "next level" quality, offering a wide variety of delicious options such as eggs, omelets, biscuits, cinnamon buns, meats, home fries, gravy, and even a pancake machine. Critically, it also caters to dietary needs, with options like soy and almond milk, and individually packaged Udi's blueberry muffins for guests with gluten/dairy allergies, which is a significant plus for families with specific dietary requirements.

Connectivity is ensured with free high-speed wired and wireless internet access available throughout the property. For leisure and relaxation, the hotel features an indoor heated swimming pool, described as "very clean, warm and enjoyable with plenty of towels." A 24-hour fitness center is also available, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines. Each of the hotel's 86 non-smoking rooms and suites is furnished with modern comforts, including a 50-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels, a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, an iron/ironing board, and blackout drapes. Some rooms also feature a seating area or a sofa bed. Connecting/adjoining rooms are available upon request, subject to availability, which is beneficial for families or groups.

Additional conveniences include a 24-hour front desk, a business center with computer access and printing/faxing services, two meeting rooms totaling 1,276 square feet of space (ideal for small conferences or events), and guest laundry facilities. Free self-parking is provided on-site, including space for RV/bus/truck parking. The hotel also offers a terrace and an arcade/game room, adding to the entertainment options for guests. For accessibility, the hotel provides various features such as wheelchair-accessible common areas, parking, and specific room types with roll-in showers or accessible tubs.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brattleboro generally receives high marks for its clean and updated rooms, comfortable beds, and the excellent breakfast. The heated indoor pool is another consistent positive, making it a family-friendly choice. The digital check-in and text-based communication option with the front desk (as highlighted by one reviewer for "Symphonie") exemplify modern conveniences and potentially efficient service, offering a different way to interact with staff.

However, it is crucial to present a balanced view, as some guest experiences have been significantly negative, particularly concerning staff interactions and adherence to policies, especially for groups or during peak times. Criticisms include:

• Rude and uncommunicative staff: Reports of unpleasant phone interactions prior to arrival and staff failing to communicate effectively among themselves, leading to guest frustration.
• Rigid early check-in policy for groups: A notable incident involved staff refusing early check-in for multiple wedding guests (even after 3 PM), forcing them to change in a public conference room with no privacy, despite prior assurances of early check-in availability. This demonstrated a lack of flexibility and guest empathy, and even accusations of staff "flat out lied" about early check-in policies.
• Security concerns: Guests being required to leave belongings in a conference room with no privacy, causing security worries.
• Inconsistent policy application: While some guests were granted early check-in, others for the same event were denied, causing significant inconvenience and distress.

These severe service issues stand in stark contrast to the hotel's strong physical amenities and the positive experiences of other guests. It suggests that while the facilities are generally excellent, the quality of guest service can be inconsistent, particularly when dealing with non-standard requests or large groups. This highlights the importance for guests to proactively confirm all policies, especially for early check-in or group bookings, and to be prepared for potential rigidity from staff.

The hotel is generally smoke-free, with designated smoking areas where fines apply for non-compliance. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals, which is a key detail for travelers with animal companions.

As an IHG property, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brattleboro participates in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, offering members benefits such as earning and redeeming points for stays, exclusive rates, and late check-out privileges. While specific promotional offers beyond standard brand promotions are not always explicitly stated, guests can often find competitive rates by booking directly through the IHG website or via major online travel agencies. The hotel aims to provide good value for money, especially considering the included complimentary breakfast and amenities.

Check-in time is typically 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Guests are strongly encouraged to contact the hotel directly at (802) 257-2400 or +1 802-257-2400 for the most current rates, availability, and to clarify any specific policies, especially concerning early check-in for groups or any unique needs. Given the mixed reviews on staff service, clear communication and confirmation of expectations prior to arrival could be beneficial. Despite the reported service challenges, the hotel's clean facilities, comfortable rooms, and excellent breakfast continue to make it a popular choice for many travelers in the Brattleboro area.